Hobart leaders road trip to end homelessness

A convoy of cars will be seen taking off from Hobart today with the capitals community and business leaders
leaving behind the comfort of their warm, safe beds in exchange for a cardboard box and cold cement, as they
road trip together to Launceston for St Vincent de Paul Society’s annual CEO Sleepout.

More than 50 leaders from around State are taking part in this year’s CEO Sleepout in an effort to raise
awareness and funds for the the 2,500 men, women and youth who are classified as homeless in Tasmania.

RACT CEO Harvey Lennon who has already raised over $5,000, said while there was no comparison between
living homeless and the Sleepout, Vinnies had provided a great opportunity for people to help those less
fortunate.

“The CEO Sleepout is a great way to raise awareness and provide business and community leaders with a
hands on way to change their perspective about what homelessness is,” Mr Lennon said.

“No one chooses to be homeless and there is a myriad of reasons that can lead up to it, but this campaign has
really taught me that anyone of us could end up in that position if our circumstances changed or were different.
“Homelessness isn’t always what people think it is, for example 58 per cent of people experiencing
homelessness are under 35 years of age and 44 per cent are women.

“ Every night 200 Tasmanians are sleeping homeless, in conditions much worse than I will be tonight and in my
eyes that’s just not good enough, so that is why I am taking on the challenge and calling on everyone to
donate to a CEO.”

“No doubt we will all be quite competitive, but it’s all in good fun and for a great cause.

“As leaders we are fortunate to be in a position to use our networks to raise awareness and that is exactly why
this campaign was created.

“Since 2006 over $13 million has been raised and it’s a good feeling to be able to say I have played a part in
helping my community bring an end to homelessness in Australia.”

CEOs have been competing against each other to take out the title of Tasmania’s top fundraiser, with Tasmanian
Independent Retailers’ CEO Grant Hinchcliffe on top with over $12,500.

The convoy will arrive at Aurora Stadium in Launceston at around 5:30pm on Thursday evening, where they will
spend the night sleeping in cardboard boxes.
RACT CEO Harvey Lennon